What your pharmacist can do for you

Apr 17, 2017

By Stephanie Simons,Head Pharmacist, Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire

Most people visit the pharmacy after they have been to see their doctor and want to fill their prescriptions. While this is obviously the primary function of a pharmacy, there are so many things that go into the provision of this service that are a part of the extensive training all pharmacists undergo before qualifying and registering. For instance, we check to see if:

A generic form of the medication is available at a less expensive price than the name brand

There are any interactions with any other medication you might be taking

The dose and strength of the prescribed medication are correct

We will also call your physician, if there are any problems or errors on the prescription.

If you have questions or concerns about side effects that your medication might cause, then we are happy to outline these and let you know what you should be watching out for. A pharmacist can put your mind at ease about how and when to take your medication – which will help with possible side effects – and what to do if you miss a dose. Pharmacists can even advise you on how to store your medicine, which can make all the difference in how effective it is.

In some cases, your pharmacist can even save you a visit to the doctor’s office. It has been reported that about three in ten Americans skip going to a doctor because they are put off by paying medical fees that may not be covered by health insurance. We want to make sure that that doesn’t happen if you have a simple question.

If you are suffering from a minor health issue, it is worth checking with a pharmacist about it and we may be able to advise you. We can suggest over the counter medications or products which might help, if appropriate. Pharmacists are trained in recognising symptoms for a number of conditions, such as allergic reactions and pink eye, and can let you know if you need to see a doctor. However, if you are suffering severe symptoms or pain, you should always visit your doctor in the first instance.

A pharmacist can even help you improve the quality of your life. Pharmacists can make suggestions about daily multivitamins or other supplements that you may find useful and can explain their benefits. If there are issues that you’ve been wondering about, such as difficulty in sleeping, dry skin or hair, a pharmacist can advise on how to remedy them.

If you are looking to break a bad habit, such as smoking or drinking, a pharmacist can counsel you on how to proceed and point you in the direction of over the counter products that may be useful. If you need some input on your diet, weight loss or simply how to boost your nutrient intake, then please just ask us how we can help.

Those who are on regular medication should already be familiar with their regular pharmacist and the support they can offer: pharmacists can help to monitor and improve medical regimens over time. We encourage you to let us know how a medication is making you feel and to tell us if you have any concerns about what you’re taking. If you’re taking a number of different medications, we can help you to work out a schedule for taking them that will maximise their efficiency and minimise unpleasant side effects.

At Lindo’s we are proud to be able to offer our customers pharmacy support at both of our stores and we want to make sure that you know just how much we can help you! Don’t be afraid to ask for help and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.